March 19, 2020
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp
Governor
State of Georgia
206 Washington Street
111 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Governor Kemp:
Staff from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appreciated the opportunity to discuss the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) with Mr. Rob Hosack, Cobb County Manager, on Wednesday, March 18, in connection with our work responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. FDA is aware that the need for PPE such as gowns, respirators, masks, and gloves during the COVID-19 outbreak is outpacing the supply. FDA has published conservation strategies for masks and gowns in light of this shortage (www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/surgical-mask-and-gown-conservation-strategies-letter-healthcare-providers). PPE provides barrier protection for the patients and the healthcare workers from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate and is necessary to help contain the spread of this disease.
Much of the PPE also requires certain sterilization. Due to the recent challenges with the closure of some commercial sterilizers, such as the Sterigenics facility located in Cobb County, the supply of critical PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak has been further limited. FDA is asking for your assistance in helping to increase the supply of PPE to help protect against COVID-19 by working with Sterigenics to allow for the appropriate sterilization of PPE.
As part of FDA’s ongoing and aggressive commitment to address the coronavirus outbreak, we continue to keep a strong focus on facilitating the development of medical products, surveilling the global supply chain, and working with state and local officials to ensure the necessary supplies are available to care for and protect our most vulnerable populations. FDA staff is available to discuss this further should officials from the state or county wish to engage us in further discussion.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Hahn, M.D.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
cc.
Ms. Candice L. Broce, Director of Communications-Deputy Executive Counsel; Office of the Governor
Mr. Richard E. Dunn, Director, Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Mr. Mike Boyce, Chairman, Cobb County Commission
Mr. Bob Ott, Commissioner, District 2, Cobb County Commission
Mr. Rob Hosack, County Manager, Cobb County
